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Review 1
Shreveport, LA native Butler came up in a musical family, and she's learned her lessons well. She sings jazz, blues and gospel in a manner quite reminiscent of Nancy Wilson, with a sleek, supple voice that oozes class. There are no gimmicky affectations or cutesy inflections, just straight soul. Backed by pianist/producer Bruce Barth and bassist John Webber -- both first-class players -- and drummer Klaus Suonsaari, Butler sings some of her favorite standards known worldwide. The CD starts with a string of tunes, including a swinging "This Bitter Earth," a ballad treatment of "Please Send Me Someone to Love" and a slow "Hit the Road Jack" that have background singers, sometimes using sweeping doo-wahs or call-and-response jiving. An up blues "One for My Baby," without the singers, lets Butler cut loose and shows she can stand on her own. After a Barth trio number, the instrumental waltz "Late Sunday Afternoon," the singer gets on a roll for the remainder of the program with solid, honest melancholia on "I'm aFool to Want You," a fine "Born to Be Blue," a light blue "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" and the gospel original of Butler's "All that I Know." She finally gets animated, shouting on "Since I Fell for You," while doting and crying out on the finale "Backwater Blues." There is also Quicktime video bonus track of "Days of Wine & Roses." The second half of this recording has some powerful sounds, attesting to the ability Butler already has. She's good, and bound to get better. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide |
Players
Laverne Butler - Vocals
Klaus Suonsaari - Drums
Bruce Barth - Piano, Producer
John Webber - Bass |
Tracks
1. This Bitter Earth
2. Please Send Me Someone To Love
3. Hit The Road Jack
4. Willow Weep For Me
5. Blues Are Out of Town
6. One for My Baby
7. Late Sunday Afternoon
8. I'm A Fool To Want You
9. Born to Be Blue
10. Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying
11. All That I Know
12. Since I Fell For You
13. Backwater Blues
14. Days Of Wine And Roses |
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